Complications that arise from catching chickenpox during pregnancy can be fatal. However, with antiviral therapy and improved intensive care, this is very rare.

Complications for the unborn baby

Complications that can affect the unborn baby vary, depending on how many weeks pregnant you are. If you catch chickenpox:

Before 28 weeks pregnant: there's no evidence you are at increased risk of suffering a miscarriage. However, there's a small risk your baby could develop foetal varicella syndrome (FVS). FVS can damage the baby's skin, eyes, legs, arms, brain, bladder or bowel.

Between weeks 28 and 36 of pregnancy: the virus stays in the baby's body but doesn't cause any symptoms. However, it may become active again in the first few years of the baby's life, causing shingles.

After 36 weeks of pregnancy: your baby may be infected and could be born with chickenpox.

Complications for the newborn baby

Your baby may develop severe chickenpox and will need treatment if you catch it:

around the time of birth and the baby is born within seven days of your rash developing